Tattoo Removal

Each impact on the skin from the laser will cause a feeling which many people describe as an elastic band being 'snapped' against the skin. occasionally tiny bleeding points may be noticed at the surface of the skin.

There is a risk that scarring of the skin in the treated area may occur but precautions will be taken to minimise this risk.

The white blisters that form on the skin become translucent after approx 20mins.

Any hair growing over the tattoo must be shaved before treatment.

The laser may stunt hair re-growth for prolonged periods.

It is usual to see some fading of the tattoo pigment a few weeks after the treatment.

However, many treatment sessions may be needed to remove the tattoo completely.

It is nesessary to wait 6-8 weeks between each treatment to allow the skin to heal before the laser sessions continue.

It is not possible to accurately forecast how many treatment sessions will be needed as everyones immune system varies. In some cases the last fragments of a tattoo may prove resistant to the laser and the tattoo may not be able to be completely removed.

The colour of the tattoo ink will influence whether laser treatment is possible on your tattoo. It is also important to realise that if the tattoo being removed overlies other tattoos it may not be possible to remove the tattoos underneath if they are pigments that will not absorb the laser energy.

Your skin type, medical history and medication will be checked during your consultation to make sure you are suitable for the treatment. Test patches will be carried out 14 days prior and photographs of your treatment will be carried out.

Treatment after care and advice

Cold compresses (not ice) and aloe vera are recommended to reduce swelling and redness. Avoid sun exposure, no excessive sweating, saunas or soaking for 24 to 48 hours. Keep areas well moisturised, allow blisters to flake off. Avoid irritants and exfoliants for 2 weeks. Avoid alcohol for 3-7 days and stay well hydrated.

A sterile non-stick breathable dressing may be used on the treatment area to allow you to get home without clothing rubbing the area.

What is a ND-YAG Laser?

A Q-Switch is an electronic device for creating very short pulses of light.

The short pulses are used to fragment the ink of your tattoo. Your immune system then removes tiny fragments.

The laser beam creates a photo-accoustic shock wave which when absorbed by the tattoo pigments causes them to fragment.

Heat is released by the ink during this fragmentation which affects the cells surrounding the tattoo, causing them to become white.

*ALL OUR LASER TREATMENTS REQUIRE A PRIOR CONSULTATION & PATCH TEST*